BU seminar on region's Olympic benefits

11 January 2008

We're hosting a research seminar to discuss ways we can use the 2012 Games to maximise tourism potential.

Our Centre for Event & Sport Research and the International Centre for Tourism & Hospitality Research are hosting the round table event on Tuesday 15 January.

Funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Professor Adele Ladkin, it's the first of three research seminars co-led with the ESRC bid with colleagues from Canterbury Christ Church University and University of Essex.

The theme for the seminar is 'Using the 2012 Olympic Games to Maximise Tourism Potential in the South West' and will discuss Tourism Employment Opportunities and Skills; Maximising Tourist Benefits and Olympic Impact and Legacy.

BU Professors John Fletcher and Adam Blake are presenting on the potential economic impact of the Games.

Senior Lecturer, Richard Shipway will present his research, Host Communities Perceptions, featuring the views of over 400 Weymouth and Portland residents (the only area outside of Greater London to hold 2012 events).

Delegates include representation from regional tourism offices, Learning and Skills Council, the South West Regional Development Agency and other universities in the region.

Guy Lavender, South West England Director for the 2012 Games-Team South West, will also be attending to provide his expertise and support to this prestigious event.

Professor Ladkin says "the event will enable practitioners and academics to discuss research needs and opportunities, and to promote beneficial collaboration between the stakeholders in order to maximise the long term legacy of the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics".